Special designs

Special operating conditions may require thrust spherical plain bearings with a steel/steel or steel/PTFE fabric sliding contact combination, which are available on request.

Steel/steel bearings (fig. 1) are typically used in applications where operating temperatures or load frequencies are high, or where heavy loads or shock loads occur. Steel/steel bearings must be provided with an adequate supply of lubricant. Depending on the operating conditions, the sliding surface of the outer ring may be equipped with various multi-groove patterns.

Bearings with a maintenance-free steel/PTFE fabric sliding contact surface (fig. 2) should be used when lubricant-free operation is specified. These bearings can accommodate heavy loads, preferably in a constant direction.